Historic England Objects to Manchester Towers

Development including two towers on Jackson’s Row in Manchester’s historic heart would harm the city’s unique heritage

Public encouraged to have their say on the proposals

Proposals for two tall buildings in the heart of Manchester would damage the city’s historic core, according to Historic England, which has objected to the development plans in their advice to Manchester City Council today (16th February).

The design, height and colour of the development on Jackson’s Row would dominate the Deansgate/Peter Street conservation area and dwarf the nationally-important Grade II* listed Central Library and Grade I listed Town Hall, which is one of the best in England for its expression of the city’s huge ambition during the Industrial Revolution.

3D modelling carried out by the developers as part of the planning application shows how aggressively the proposed buildings would jar against the grand civic buildings which define this part of Manchester.

The development would also involve the demolition of three unlisted but locally important historic buildings.

An artist's impression of how the development would look, provided as part of the planning application submitted recently. The Town Hall's tower can be seen between the two proposed buildings.

Part of the city’s story

The Deansgate/Peter Street conservation area has its roots in Manchester’s early history. Centred around the Roman route of Deansgate, the area witnessed conflict during the 17th century Civil War and political protest during the 19th century, leading to the ‘Peterloo Massacre’ of 1819.

This rich history is still readable in the street pattern and is an essential part of the city’s story.

Catherine Dewar, Historic England Planning Director in the North West said: “We are deeply concerned about how this scheme would affect some of Manchester’s most precious heritage.

It would have an impact on people’s appreciation and experience of the stunning town hall and library but it would also erase different layers of this area’s history, irreparably damaging the special character of the surrounding conservation area.”

She continued: “A dynamic city like ours needs to fully embrace development but this scheme is not good enough to justify the damage it would cause to the streets around the site and to the setting of the city’s most important buildings and spaces.

It threatens Manchester with the loss of historic places that have soul and tell important stories about our city’s past.”

Manchester deserves better

Historic England has worked constructively with Manchester City Council and the developers over the past year and we know this site has potential.

The right scheme here could create a better environment for those who live and work in Manchester and could bring life back to these streets.

But the proposed scheme would not achieve this. The buildings are focussed inwards onto new, exclusive open spaces that are closed off to the surrounding streets and public realm.

Manchester can accommodate tall buildings, but they need to be well-designed, and in the right places, which calls for a strategic plan.

This historic area of Manchester deserves a thoughtful scheme which responds to, and doesn’t try to dominate, its surroundings. The development should welcome people and not aggressively push itself into the existing streets, as this proposed development does.